TEE "The Earth Explorer"

TEE is a five piece flute front progressive rock band from Tokyo, Japan. Their so-called 'European' sound is unique considering their far-east origin. The imaginative tunes with complex ensembles and rhythms will definitely catch the attention of prog lovers all over the world. Their sound will remind you bands like Camel, King Crimson, Asia Minor or even Frank Zappa on some parts. The band was formed in 2004 when... more

Kevin BARTLETT

You may not know his name but you have definitely heard his music more than once or twice in your life. Maybe on HBO, or on MTV, or on VH1, Comedy Central, Discovery Channel. Doesn't ring the bell? How about American Idol Rewind, or Dr. 90210? We had interviewed Kevin Bartlett a couple of years ago when his second solo album GLOW IN THE DARK was released. Bartlett has been quiet since that time but but he has been secretly brewing new projects. A few months ago he had put a new song...more

Peter Hammill, founding member of Van Der Graaf Generator, released his 28th solo album " nearly 3 months ago. He recently got back home from a short tour covering North America, Canada and Italy. In the 70's when bands like...more

FRIGHT PIG Barque At The Lune *** REVERSAL OF GRAVITY Scuba Gear ***

NEGUS / DARE TO DREAM

It's here. Saga's original and long standing drummer Steve Negus, the Lord of The Drums has released his first solo album since leaving the progressive rock group... yet, to call this a solo album draws attention away from the outstanding musicians Steve has brought together for this pilot voyage of prog-rock. I assume Steve recognized this as well, which is why he probably opted to call it "Negus" instead of The Steve Negus Project or something of the sort... and why shouldn't he treat it as a band? The guitarist, Kelly Kereliuk (ex-Animate) is an incredible master of the axe and took on the difficult task of replacing Mark Severn after his untimely death two weeks after completing this project. Matt Whale, keyboardist extraordinaire along with tasteful bassist Ian Nielsen form the rockin' foundation that can only serve as a launching pad for down & dirty vocalist Al Langlade (Total Stranger). My prediction is that Negus will win over long time Saga fans and seduce music fans seeking out rock the way it used to be played... very well!

Signed to Cyclone Records (Caveat, Inner Surge, Wormbox), Steve Negus has unleashed a solo album worth waiting for, but the wait can hardly be considered a wait, since the band's inception, first concert date and recorded disc have all come to fruition this side of 2007. Fresh off a return date he did with Saga in October, fans were left wondering what would become of their beloved stick man. Negus holds the unique badge of honor as being a very identifiable drummer. Just the way you know Tom Scholz of Boston the moment he plays a chord or the way you know it's Geddy Lee when he sings his first line - Negus has honed a style that is recognizable the second he graces the set. Dare To Dream is a fine representation of that. Standing strong as a drummer's solo effort but standing even stronger as complete unit chock full of powerful songs and quality compositions. Of course this should come as no surprise considering Negus has played with the finest. Over twenty years in Saga, a sought after side project in GNP (which is slated for remastered re-release) and he even played drums on the legendary track by Chris DeBurgh "Don't Pay the Ferryman".

The tracks Lust, Body and Soul & Satellites are among the most progressive tracks on the album. Strong melody lines, shredding guitar work and captivating changes make for an intriguing listening session. Yes, there will undoubtedly be moments when you cant help but think that certain parts remind you of Saga, but this project also offers new sounds and experiences that can only be attributed to the fine musicians gathered together under one recording. Whale's keyboard style is both inviting but unobtrusive. You're strangely drawn in when you notice he is constantly playing but not always present on the mind, but he is no background instrumentalist as he frequently proves with dazzling fills. Lest we forget who's band this is, track five's "I rest My Case" is a stunning live drum solo captured hi-fi style in the studio. Steve flawlessly executes a stirring drumline and flavors it with jungle beats & heartbeat poundings with uncanny precision. Who else could get away with a studio recorded drum solo? Bravo

On the downside, "One Man's Army" and "Catch My Fall" were my least favorite tracks. I was unaffected by the Army and Fall just seemed too contrived and blatantly geared for radio with structured verse-chorus. Oddly enough, and not at all consistent with the rest of the album are some guitar fillers that seemed to be added as an afterthought - in a completely different studio... the sound & quality are just completely different from the rest of polished project.

Back on the upside, I dont know if Langlade is directly responsible, but the vocal lines are masterfully supported with moving bgv's and harmony vocals that will leave you awe-struck. Particularly on Dare To Dream (the album's title track), the vocal stylings will leave little doubt that vocals were of utmost importance on this album. At times the grit and rough around the edges style gets a bit tiresome, but that feeling doesnt last long as you will soon hear that he is not a one-trick pony, just listen to my favorite track that he sings "Satellites".

While holding ground as a band after their own sound, I cant help but hear influences of Def Leppard, Alan Parsons, Pink Floyd (track 7 As I Am) and even 10cc. You can bet I'll be catching them on tour... see you there!

Find Steve Negus online at: www.stevenegus.com

and on myspace at: www.myspace.com/stevenegusmusic.

DALE JUDAY